James Stewart remembers putting on his pads and running onto the grassy field to play football. The township resident said it was just over 20 years ago when he and his friends would still play competitively, despite being well into their 30s and 40s. Stewart has had a deep love for the game since childhood, and it’s stayed with him as he played in high school, college and then for fun.

But shortly after Stewart stopped playing, he began to have pain, mainly in his back, but also in his knees and other joints. He eventually underwent a two-part back surgery, as well as seven other surgeries in different areas to repair both bone and ligament damage.